I really don't get the fuss over Al Harrington. Does he really make this team, or any team, better? What exactly does he bring to the table?
In Indiana he was a good defender while scoring consistently as a third(fourth?) option. I haven't seen him play in Atlanta, but his scoring averages continue to jump. He's also young and versatile. If you're looking for a more effective SF/PF there aren't many in the league. That said, I don't think we should target him.
I was interested in Al Harrington previously because he is obviously an upgrade from Howard but Battier's role as a SF/PF makes it unneccessary to go after him. He is also asking for too much and the Rockets don't have the means to go after him anyway. I do feel we need a 5/4. That would make it easier for Battier at both the 4 and the 3 spot which could give T-Mac some relief as well.
Harrington's not a good rebounder, but he sure can score. He's a natural SF, but plays PF to create mismatches where his quickness creates havoc for opposing teams. He's also a good three-shooter. Harrington has stated that he's not in the game for the money, as long as the contract is "fair". So it's not out of this world to predict that he might take a pay cut of a few million dollars to play for a winning championship contender, like say the Houston Rockets
I don't think Harrington's a great rebounder- but that's mostly b/c he is inconsistent. I think that playing alongside Yao would really help open things up for him and he could avg a double double here easily. As for all the guys saying the Rocket's need ANOTHER guard... how many guards do we have on the team already??? The PF is our weakest spot right now. Who do we play against teams with big PF's? If anyone saw the USA / Puerto Rico game, Bill Walton's words were something to the effect that "Santiago is having his way with Battier under the basket". Unfortunately for us, many of the teams we're gonna be playing will have PF's a little better than Santiago. Frankly, I don't know if Harrington is the best answer at PF either. I would much rather have us get someone like Wilcox or Evans (more of a banger). I like Battier, Hayes and Howard. However, they are ALL undersized and none can back Yao up.
i keep seeing these post. could anyone answer me, why would a manager with any brain want j-ho, who has a such a terrible contact and an ugly jump shot?
Because NBA GM's make trades all the time that fans shake their heads at. Just because you don't think it could happen does not mean it can't.
Yep - Luthoward would be a tough sell. Plus, it seems the Hawks want draft picks. Preferably first rounders. Also, I believe the TE will be used to try to land Korver, or another guard. I don't think we have enough assets to score a PF. CHUCK HAYES will be our best PF this year. Bank on it!
http://gladwell.typepad.com/gladwellcom/2006/05/basketball_by_t.html Harrington was recently rated the most over-rated player in basketball. His PER (which is a combination of measureables) exceeds his actual contribution (Win-shares) by more than any other player. Don't read to much into the Carmelo being #2, his measureables are really good. He was fourth in the NBA in Player Losses and 1st in fouls: http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006_t.html And perhaps most disturbing, his most similar player by age for two straight years? Our very own (well, then Wizards') Juwan Howard. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harrial01.html Harrington is a player to stay away from. He's one of those guys who always looks better on some other team. (Sound like last season?)
I threw this idea over on the random trade page, already but it makes sense here. I don't want Harrington, but what if we could get into the mix with Indy and Atlanta and pull out Jeff Foster using the TE to Indiana and a player or 2nd round pick to Atl. He doesn't help in "the bring another shooter in" category, but he brings toughness, defense, and rebounding to the 4/5 spot. Can supplement Battier at the 4 and back-up Yao at the 5.
Actually, Foster would be a great pick-up if we could swing that. His rebounding numbers are great and he could score enough for us at the 4/backup 5. The main thing about Foster is can he stay healthy enough to play most of the season. What player do you think we would have to give up though to make this work?
Maybe the TE to Ind, and a player or pick to Atl. Atl is the wild card, they are so screwed up right now. They may want Mutumbo's expiring contract. They may want Juwon as a back-up 4 and veteran presence. I just don't see them taking his contract on. Ofcourse everyone on the BBS seems to want to give Head away, I don't know that I would want to do that for Foster.
lineup is going to be: Alston Snyder McGrady Battier Yao whats the point of speculating trades that are never going to go through.. lol
1. Because it is more fun than half of the stuff that does go through. 2. Because we all think that we are better qualified to run a franchise than half of the GM's because <gasp> those guys some times make mistakes. 3. Because secretly we hope CD is watching the BBS going "Why didn't I think of that?" 4. Because we all want our team to bring the home hardware, and we can't help but think there is something we can do to help. BTW I am fine with that lineup. I think Snyder is going to be better than anticipated. Not all star, but solid. I think Alston is solid, and it will show when playing with T-Mac and Yao. I think our guard depth is better than people think it is just unproven. I am only concerned about our depth in the front. One more tough rebounder/defender would really make me feel better.
